Thursday, March 12, 2009

While there are many online publications available for independent and unsigned musicians to submit their music for review, there are very few, if any, that guarantee the process of publishing the artists' music review at any given time.

Musicians generally spend incredible amounts of money submitting CD's through the mail in the hopes that someone will provide them with some form of publicity in a reasonable time frame. Quite often the packages they send out are tossed in the garbage without anyone listening to their music.

That's why Catsask Music & Entertainment (http://www.catsask.com), a top Online Music Publication with thousands of independent music lovers, today announced the launch of it's "30 Day Music Review Guarantee" service. A new promotion that gives emerging artists guaranteed press and exposure on Catsask.com's highly respected Online Music Publication.

Tish Meeks of 3 Kisses (http://www.3kisses.com) states "I consider it a privilege ANYTIME a reviewer takes the time to listen to our music, share their thoughts and offer us press. Even if the review is not totally favorable, I believe it is important to thank the reviewers. After all, they are essential to us! We NEED them! And just because a reviewer doesn't like one release, doesn't mean he won't like the next. Of course, when we get such cool reviews like the ones from Catsask, we enjoy letting them know how much we appreciate them"

For as little as $10 emerging independent musicians are guaranteed an online music review within 30 days of submitting a minimum of 3 songs and have the option of upgrading to an Interview Plus Package for only $25. The upgrade gives artists the music review guarantee plus a live phone interview, as well as one of their songs posted alongside the review. The artists review is then published on the Catsask.com website and both the song and interview are included in the Catsask CRuMP Radio Podcast. The song and interview are also published on Duss Rodgers' personal blog "The Music Biz Buzz" weekly blog podcast (http://www.dussrodgers.com).

"It's rare to find a music service today that pushes the focus towards the satisfaction and the awareness of musicians and artists that happen to pass through their online doors. I mean with so many music publications popping up throughout the internet and the music industry, it's harder for musicians to decide between, and really focus on, what can help them get some real and worthwhile exposure. I'm sure they've had enough of the garbage that just gets delivered as hype nowadays." says Founder and CEO Duss Rodgers, "We've made it our priority to provide the best possible service by putting musicians first. We think that with this approach, musicians will finally be able to get what they want, and need, without having to beg and work as hard to find it."

When asked how they propose to maintain the quality levels of the music they review, Duss Rodgers stated, "Well, we accept all submissions, however, we do preview the music before the agreement is sealed. If we find that the music simply won't make the cut then we'll contact the artist and let them know beforehand. We're not in the business of breaking hearts and killing dreams. If we can't find something positive to say about the music, we're just not going to include it for review."

Catsask Music & Entertainment has been providing independent music reviews, music industry marketing news, articles and press releases since 2004. With a focus on customer service and the advancement of the independent musician's career, they have found a unique approach to independent music marketing using free online industry expert interviews and music resource listings.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Polarity/1 and his Post-Pop project Koko Dozo (with vocalist Amy Douglas) had the honor of making music with one of NYC's greatest Funkmeisters, DJ Morsy from the Nanachil Crew. They just finished this little pearl called "The Shine." Co-produced by Polarity/1, the track features him on guitar, percussion, voice percussion & synth.

"This track really makes you want to dance. The Chorus are made to give your speakers a sense of living and Amy turns them into a pumping machine. Polarity/1's guitar performs its funk screams while piano is jazzy all over the track. The song issues all the polyvalence of this talented duo from planet Koko Dozo (producer Polarity/1 and vocalist Amy Douglas). The beat is like a funky-house piece of stone endlessly burning through space with the bright tail of Amy's voice. Dj Morsy appears as a co-producer and composer and pilot of this aircraft that takes this sound to Earth. This collaboration began when Koko Dozo performed at Morsy's monthly NYC party. After that they went straight to the studio where they experienced 'The Shine' together." - Nicholas Guida

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

As a result of AirPlay Direct's selection of Russian Composer Alexander Shulgin as their Marquee Artist for the month of February, twenty five radio programmers and DJs downloaded tracks from the 3-album compilation "Triptych. Shulgin's Songbook" for airplay in over eight states and eight nations in three different continents. The jazz compilation, being released by Familia Entertainment, was initially made available to broadcasters/webcasters through AirPlay Direct in anticipation of its distribution to major online retailers through The Orchard in March.

"'Triptych, Shulgin's Songbook, Part 1' is simply a phenomenal album! It's a jazz lover's paradise. This album is a fusion between jazz and easy listening, suitable for every situation - background music, cozying up with your lover, or just chilling out and relaxing." Michele Morris, MusicDish magazine

Produced by the successful DWB stable of writers and producers, the "Tryptych" compilation features Shulgin's music, melodies and instrumentals that have yet been played before. With inventive use of the Spanish nylon strung acoustic guitar as a main lead instrument, it conjures up sunsets in Spain and peaceful sunshine bathed fields swaying in the breeze. There is a blend of modern Chillout styles and some more Urban sounding Jazz tinged opuses on this album - music to have a warm bath in. The compilation brings together an impressive array of talent, raging from producers Paul Drew and Richard Niles to nitable jazz names as Gary Husband, Martin Taylor, John Patitucci, Simon Rushby, Bob Mintzer and Jon Howell to name a few.

Alexander Shulgin is a leading executive in the new Russian music industry, having worked with such iconic artists as Valeria, Mumiy Troll, Dima Malikov, Gruppa.fm and many others. Mr. Shulgin owns and operates Familia Entertainment, a record label, and Familia Publishing, a publishing company. His catalogue includes not only top-10 songs but also a diverse array of rare releases, including hundreds of the best-known Russian gypsy songs, Songs of Siberian Exile and Best Songs of WWI, all of which are part of a Russia's unique musical heritage.

His latest project is a three-album compilation titled "Tryptych" that contains new music. melodies and instrumentals from the composer's works that had yet to have been performed. The albums were recorded by an impressive line-up of artists including legendary drummer Billy Cobham, pianist Gary Husband, bassist John Patitucci and guitarist Paul Drew to name a few, uniting their various styles on the three albums in a harmony.http://www.myspace.com/shulginalexanderhttp://alexandershulgin.musicdish.net

AirPlay Direct is an easy to use digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio / artist promotion activities for today's music industry. AirPlay Direct's FREE services replace the unnecessary time and expense of putting together and sending out costly traditional artist packages and press kits via snail mail. Utilizing the AirPlay Direct system also allows an artist to positively impact the environment by eliminating needless packaging.http://www.AirPlayDirect.com

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Wildflower Records celebrates 10 years of working with an incredible roster of artists, including Americana Rock singer-songwriter Amy Speace who will be performing songs from her upcoming album "The Killer In Me". Amy will be joined her label mates Ezio, Ali Eskandarian, Andy White, Eric Schwartz and Kenny White at Joe's Pub to celebrate with host Judy Collins on Thursday, March 12th.

WILDFLOWER RECORDS 10TH ANNIVERSARYHosted By Judy CollinsThursday, March 12th - 7:00 PM# 425 Lafayette Street, NYCinfo@joespub.com212-967-7555Price: $15 in advance / $20 at the doorClick here to purchase tickets** A one-year New York Magazine subscription, a $9.97 value, will be included with your ticket purchase for this show! **

Named by WFUV to its "Top 16 To Watch" list last year, Amy Speace is an Americana-rock artist who draws comparisons to Roseanne Cash, Lucinda Williams and Neko Case. Her sophomore album "The Killer In Me", produced by James Mastro and engineered by Mitch Easter, features 12 new songs and 2 duets with Ian Hunter and "is a collection of alt-country gems, a little dark around the edges…As a singer, she's got a soulful voice that grabs your ears. Take note, Amy is one artist you won't want to miss." (John Platt, host of "The Sunday Breakfast " WFUV).

What they're saying about "The Killer In Me":

"If you thought that "Songs For Bright Street", her previous effort was already worth your attention, then this "Killer In Me" (released early March) will certainly be an album you have to ad to your collection!" - Mr Blue Boogie, BillyBop

"If you're on to the newest trends in music country you must certainly knock at the door of Amy Speace. Those looking for honest and personal work have come to the right address." - Keys & Chords

"There's more than nerve and creativity noticeable on the meanwhile fourth album of this singer - songwriter, already the title track "the Killer In Me" and "This Love” feature vintage Lucinda Williams." - Rootsville.be

"Speace knows how to make a beautifully varied CD that builds a coherent unit through a wonderful balance of pop, rock and blues, ballads and up-tempo numbers that never bore you for a minute. A truly excellent and grown-up album." - MOORS MAGAZINE

Wildflower Records is a grass roots artist driven label. Based in New York and launched by Judy Collins and Katherine DePaul in 1999, Wildflower Records' vision stems from Judy's experience when major labels sought to nurture long term relationships with artists and their representatives. Distributed through North American by Koch Distribution and throughout the rest of the world by ADA Global, Wildflower Records boasts an eclectic and ever growing roster.http://www.wildflowerrecords.com